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Exile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exile

[ˈɛksʌɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political

The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.

Synonyms

banishment, deportation, expulsion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exile

Used when someone is forced to leave their country, usually for political reasons, and often implies a permanent or long-term removal.

  • The famous writer lived in exile for many years after his controversial book was published.
  • Many political leaders were in exile during the dictatorship.
banishment

Typically refers to being sent away from a specific place as a punishment, often with a negative or disgraced connotation.

  • The rebellious knight faced banishment from the kingdom for his defiance.
  • After the trial, the criminal was sentenced to banishment from the city.
expulsion

Used to describe being driven out of a school, organization, or place, often due to misconduct or breaking rules. Can apply beyond geographical context.

  • His behavior was so disruptive that it led to his expulsion from the university.
  • The scandal resulted in the expulsion of several members from the club.
deportation

Refers to the act of forcing someone to leave a country because they don't have the legal right to stay. Often used in legal and governmental contexts.

  • The family faced deportation after their visa expired.
  • She was at risk of deportation following her arrest for overstaying her visa.

Examples of usage

  • He went into exile after a failed coup attempt.
  • She lived in exile for many years before returning to her homeland.
  • The political dissident was forced into exile by the oppressive regime.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional

To banish or expel someone from their homeland or their place of residence.

Synonyms

banish, expel, oust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exile

This is a repetition of the first word 'exile' and should not be included in a separate context. Refer to the first entry for details.
banish

Banish is generally used to describe sending someone away from a place as a punishment. It can be used in both historical contexts and for dramatic effect in stories.

  • The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom.
  • They were banished to the farthest corner of the land.
expel

Expel is commonly used for officially making someone leave an organization, school, or country. It often carries a formal or administrative connotation.

  • The student was expelled for cheating on the exam.
  • The diplomats were expelled due to espionage accusations.
oust

Oust is used to describe removing someone from a position of power or authority, frequently in a forceful or abrupt manner. It often has a negative or aggressive connotation.

  • The board members worked together to oust the CEO.
  • The corrupt official was ousted during the coup.

Examples of usage

  • The artist was exiled from the art community due to controversial statements.
  • The family was exiled from the village after the scandal.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exilium,' meaning 'banishment.' Throughout history, many groups or individuals have faced exile due to political conflict.
  • Ancient civilizations, like Rome, would often exile people as a punishment, which was considered more merciful than execution.

Literature

  • Exile is a common theme in literature, often symbolizing loss and longing, as seen in works like Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' after he was exiled from Rome.
  • In American literature, works like 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter' explore the emotional and psychological impact of being an outsider or exiled.

Psychology

  • Being in a state of exile can lead to feelings of isolation and despair, which can have long-lasting effects on a person's mental health.
  • Psychologists often study the impact of forced migration and exile on identity, resilience, and community rebuilding.

Culture

  • Many artists and writers have created profound works during or after periods of exile, including exiled artists like Diego Rivera and Henri Matisse.
  • Cultural contributions from exiled communities can enrich a new society, showing a blend of traditions and innovations.

Pop Culture

  • Exile has been represented in movies like 'The Pianist,' which depicts a musician's struggles during World War II.
  • Popular music often draws on themes of exile, with songs reflecting personal struggles and the search for a place to belong, like 'Exile' by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver.

Origin of 'exile'

The word 'exile' originated from the Latin word 'exilium', meaning banishment or exile. Throughout history, exile has been used as a method of punishment or control by various rulers and governments. Individuals such as political dissidents, rebels, and outcasts have often been exiled from their homelands for speaking out against the authorities or for challenging the status quo. Exile can be a harsh and isolating experience, separating individuals from their loved ones and familiar surroundings.

See also: exalt, excise, expend.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,671 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.